Change of Direction Opinions

[tukaniray]

Alrighty ... I have a dilemma with myself and just trying to see where I want to go and how to get there.

Here is my scenerio: I have been working for this Post Production house for over 4.5 years now, and have seen many o many post editors and production camera operators come in and out of the studio here. Some doing better off than here, and others just holding on.

Well, I am now burnt out of doing work for this gentleman I work for now. He isn't a bad guy most days but other days, I don't feel my worth for his company is even appreciated.

I am his video editor on Final Cut Pro, his motion graphics editor on After Effects, a second video camera operator for on-location shoots, for the past few times his main still photographer, the office manager, the office holder when he is out of town (like now) and his errand go to guy.

I am also his only employee ... since he let go of the other people in here.

Now, I have been picking up alot of freelance work outside of this studio as a video camera operator and some Photography gigs. He knows this and is okay as long as they do not run into our normal business hours. Understandable. They are starting to grow nicely ...

But not enough to cover what I do for this guy.

My dilemma is that, since I have turned my career into a job at this location, I feel I am not giving my all like I use to. And am aiming my thoughts towards all of the outside gigs I do get. I see myself in a conflict of interest, never thought I would find myself there. But I am.

I know there are things to consider:
Is it worth it to leave?
Do I have a back up plan for leaving?
Do I have another place to gather income?

It's hard, because I feel there isn't enough work out there to just jump ship.

The other thing that bothers me, is everything that I have done for this company, I can not have, what so ever. So, for the past 4.5 years, I have no reel or portfolio built up to showcase to other potential employers or clients of my work and abilities.

That's hurting me now. So, for the past year, I have been really trying to push building a portfolio both in video and still photography.

What are your thoughts that any of you could give me?

I feel like I am in a corner and can not get out for anything.

-Ray-

[Tom]

I would stress not jumping ship until your freelance is strong enough to support you on your own. That will mean overworking yourself for a year or more while it grows, but if you jump too early, you will be in a world of hurt.

[tukaniray]

Thanks Tom.

I had a feeling that's what I would here. Just wanted to get some opinion.

What do you think about me jumping into another company? Change of direction and genre?

We mainly do Oil and Gas Corporations and no entertainment. And I use to do Entertainment gigs years ago. Didn't think I would miss it, but I do.

-Ray-

[Howard Barlow]

One thing I would do is avoid posting such on a public web site. It is not impossible your employer will find out about it and make your decision for you.

[tukaniray]

Thanks Howard. True ... but I didn't know how else I can go about bringing it up to someone.

I try to connect or speak to others in the industry, but no one else is really available or have the time to sit with me these days.

-Ray-

[Outlaw]

I think you're in a very common situation, Ray, and it's torturous. I speak from experience, so know that I have empathy for your situation.

What's worked for me is to reframe my attitude, and truly define my goals.

Instead of looking at your day job as what's holding you back (which technically it may well be), look at it as the income source that will enable you to save up and give your freelance business the capital it will need to survive and then thrive.

I agree with Tom completely - jumping ship too early will put you in a very tight, stressful spot. Some people need that kick in the pants, but it sounds like you're more than motivated.

Try negotiating certain things with your employer to put you in a better position to change jobs or shift to freelancing later on. Try negotiating to be able to add your work over the past ~5 years to your portfolio. Find ways to use your day job to get face time and build rapport with potential freelance clients down the road. I think if you search it out, you'll find a wealth of opportunities to put yourself in a better personal position. If you're serious about jumping ship, begin trimming up your personal finances as well so your monthly needs are as little as possible.

If you're unhappy with your employer, you've got to get out of there - but give yourself the time to make for as safe and successful a jump as possible.

There are plenty of books that speak to your feelings: No More Mondays, Escape From Cubicle Nation, The 4 Hour Work Week, etc. All great resources.

Your feelings are valid, and you have a right to enjoyable work - whether that's relying on freelance work or finding another employer, have the patience and perspective to step back, evaluate what you want and where you can go, lay out a plan to get there, then work your plan.

It can be done - many others have done so, especially in this digital age. One day soon, I hope you and I both join them in taking control of our lives and success!

[hdctx]

A perspective change might be in order. One, have a candid conversation with your boss about your career needs. The fact that you're the last man standing and in fact, have attained a level of trust to be a keyholder when he's out of town and you're shooting all the stills says he values and respects your work. Heck, he needs you more than ever and yet he still gives you the freedom to do your own gigs? You appear to have a perfect foundation to launch from. Maybe you work out a partnership arrangement or earn an equity position. Maybe you stay until you have a killer portfolio, I don't know, it doesn't really look like you're being held back, more like you're being groomed for success. Good Luck!

[Phisch]

I dont' work with video at all so I imagine editing of oil rig videos can get repetitive.

Perspective change is a good thing in this case IMHO. There are a lot of out of work folks. Maybe not so much here in TX...but you know.

Barring any input from your employer, change what you can about your work day and that might help. You could try changing your routine, for one thing. Something small like changing the route to work can help you get out of the rut. Change the physical location of your desk.

While it might sound silly, small changes like that can tweak the thinking process in a positive way.

I would talk to your boss about your needs like HDCTX mentioned. If he's having to lay off people, no doubt he's under stress and that will show.

This is gold:

Instead of looking at your day job as what's holding you back (which technically it may well be), look at it as the income source that will enable you to save up and give your freelance business the capital it will need to survive and then thrive.